RICHLAND, Wash.--  A local woman, who has worked all over the northwest, came back to the area to start her own photography and portrait design company, Olivieri Portrait Design, in Richland.     

Annette Olivieri grew up in Connell, went to the Art Institute of Seattle, then working in different areas in the the Pacific northwest.  After working for other people over the past few years, she wanted to move back home and photograph people she knows. 

Many people are weary about starting businesses right now, but Olivieri said it was the perfect time.  She was tired of commuting, and had gained so many clients here.  She explains, "We get most of all our work from referrals and we started getting really busy.  The idea was to come home [to visit] and be with my family, and I ended up just working.   I'm kind of a workaholic like that!"

Olivieri has won two awards: Best Wedding Photographer of 2008 in Washington and a National Kodak Gallery Award. 

She says on-location pictures of people are her favorite type of shoots, and people are her passion.  Her design studio is on the corner of Gage Blvd. and Bellerive Dr. in Richland.  You can learn more on her website.